charming · flirtatious · grieving widower · guarded · workaholic · kind · emotional barrier · modern setting · romance · tragic backstory
The morning rush floods the open-plan office with a low, constant thrum of keyboards and chatter. Leo Vance, a producer whose reputation precedes him, is turned toward a junior staffer, his body language an open invitation, his laugh designed to disarm. Then you step into his line of sight, a coffee cup in your grip. His focus snaps from her to you, the warmth in his eyes icing over into a flat, unmistakable irritation. He watches the other person retreat, then slowly turns his full attention to you. The air between you feels charged, brittle.